Amundson Honors Junior Artists

Five budding artists received recognition last Saturday morning from Del. Kristin J. Amundson (D-44) prior to a joint legislative town meeting with state Sen. Linda T. "Toddy" Puller at the South County Government Center on Richmond Highway.

Each of the fourth and sixth grade student winners had submitted entries to Amundson's annual contest, which she initiated in 2000, to promote and recognize art in elementary schools. This year's theme was "What I like best about living in the 44th District."

Elementary school students living in the district are encouraged by their art teachers to create individual works depicting the theme. Winning entries are framed and displayed in and immediately outside Amundson's General Assembly Office in Richmond throughout the legislative session.

Several local artists judge the entries. Each first place winner receives a trip to Richmond to be recognized and a $100 saving bond.

The works of the first place winners and those of all 85 second place winners will be on display at the Sherwood Regional Library, Sherwood Hall Lane, during March. A special reception for them will be held there March 22 at 2 p.m., according to Suzanne Parrish, a local artist/teacher who oversees the project.

"Announcing these winners is really one of the fun things we get to do every year. Their work is amazing and a prime example of the excellence of our Fairfax County school system," Amundson said.

This year's winners came from five schools throughout southeastern Fairfax County. They were: